Guest: Dr. Jess Shatkin Delaying a child’s first smartphone can protect mental health, improve focus, and give them more time to develop offline skills. Dr. Jess Shatkin explains why waiting until eighth grade makes sense — and how families can navigate the pressure to get a phone sooner. Topics covered: How smartphones affect mood, grades, and relationshipsWhy tech leaders often delay phones for their own kidsTips for starting the phone conversation early with your childThis conversati...

Guest: Leah Wolfe, Intervention Specialist Sometimes the best way to connect is to disconnect. Leah Wolfe discusses how setting aside devices — even for short, consistent breaks — can improve relationships, boost mood, and help students recharge mentally and emotionally. Topics covered: The benefits of phone-free time for mental health and relationshipsHow screen breaks help reduce stress and anxietyIdeas for building device-free moments into daily lifeThis conversation is just one of m...

Guest: Dr. Megan Schabbing, Lead Psychiatrist at Ohio Health Screens can capture attention — but for young children, too much too soon can affect how their brains grow. Dr. Megan Schabbing explains the risks of early screen exposure and why pediatricians recommend waiting before introducing devices. Topics covered: How early screen use affects brain development and learningWhy boredom and “analog” play are critical for young kidsGuidelines for healthy media habits in the early yearsThis...

Guest: Mike Aurin, Principal at Jerome High School Copying homework, misusing AI, or plagiarizing might save time in the moment — but it comes with consequences. Principal Mike Aurin talks about the short- and long-term costs of academic dishonesty, from grades to reputation, and why integrity matters. Topics covered: How cheating undermines learning and trustThe ripple effects on college, career, and relationshipsBuilding strong academic habits for lasting successThis conversation is j...

Guest: Eric Cochrun, School Resource Officer Viral challenges may seem harmless — or even funny — but some can lead to serious injury or worse. Officer Eric Cochrun explains why teens are drawn to risky trends, how dangerous they can be, and what parents can do to help kids think twice. Topics covered: The dangers of viral social media challengesWhy teens are especially vulnerable to risky online trendsConversations to help kids pause before participatingThis conversation is just one of...

Guest: Jeremy Miller, School Resource Officer A quick post can have lasting consequences. Officer Jeremy Miller breaks down the risks of oversharing online — from giving away your location to exposing personal details that hackers and scammers can exploit. Topics covered: How oversharing puts privacy and safety at riskWhy “private” posts aren’t always privateSmart sharing habits for students and familiesThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to ex...

Cyberbullying, online rumors, and peer pressure can all unfold on a screen — but the impact on students is real. Whitney Shelton talks about the emotional toll of digital conflicts, the warning signs to watch for, and strategies students can use to protect themselves and support their peers. Topics covered: The overlap between online and offline bullyingHow digital drama affects student mental health and relationshipsSteps to prevent and respond to cyberbullyingThis conversation is just one o...

Guest: David Aronovic, Dublin PD Detective Every post, search, and click leaves a trail. Detective David Aronovic explains what a digital footprint is, how it can follow someone for years, and why thinking before posting is a skill worth teaching early. Topics covered: What makes up a digital footprintHow online actions can impact education, career, and safetyTips for managing and protecting your online reputationThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause t...

Guest: Scott Brown, School Resource Officer The internet can be a great place to connect — but it can also be a place where predators look for victims. Officer Scott Brown explains how online grooming works, what red flags to look for, and how families can build safe online habits to protect kids. Topics covered: How predators use online platforms to build trust Common tactics like secrecy, flattery, and pressure Practical safety tips for kids and familiesThis conversation is just one of ma...

Guest: Margaret Robinson, Gifted Intervention Specialist Screens may entertain, but they can also crowd out the quiet moments kids need to spark imagination and solve problems. Margaret Robinson explains why unstructured, screen-free downtime is critical for developing creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills — and how parents can create more opportunities for it. Topics covered: How constant stimulation affects kids’ ability to focusWhy boredom can fuel creativity and innovationSimple w...

Guest: Mike Ulring, Director of Building Leadership From pre-game scrolling to late-night gaming, screen time can drain athletes before they even step on the field. Mike Ulring shares how digital distractions can affect physical performance, focus, and mental health — and why building better tech habits can give athletes a competitive edge. Topics covered: How pre-game screen use impacts focus and muscle readiness The pressure athletes feel to maintain a perfect online image Ways to balance...

Guest: Amanda Levelle, NCH Behavioral Health Pressure to Be Perfect Filtered photos. Curated lives. Constant comparisons. Amanda Levelle breaks down how social media shapes self-esteem—especially in teens—and why the pursuit of perfection online can lead to real-world anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt. Topics covered: How social media fuels comparison and distorts realityConnections between screen time, self-worth, and mental healthWhat parents can do to help kids develop healthier online h...

Guest: Dr. Dawn Anderson-Butcher, The Ohio State University College of Social Work Always On, Always Anxious What’s the cost of constant connection? Dr. Dawn Anderson-Butcher explores the growing body of research linking excessive screen time to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in kids and teens. Drawing on national data and real-world experience, she unpacks what this means for brain development and what parents can do to help. Topics covered: The connection between scree...

Guest: Kevin Patton, DCS Pathways Counselor Too much phone use at night doesn’t just delay bedtime — it disrupts sleep quality and can lead to tired, unfocused, and emotionally drained students. Kevin shares what he’s seeing among teens today and why good sleep hygiene starts with putting the phone down. Topics covered: How screen time affects sleepThe science behind blue light and sleep latencyPractical ways to improve nighttime habitsThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublins...

In the premiere episode of Finding Balance in the Digital World, host Cassie Dietrich, Public Information Officer for Dublin City Schools, sits down with Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen to explore why the district is launching the Press Pause campaign. They discuss growing concerns around student screen time, the impact of tech habits on learning and well-being, and the shared responsibility schools and families have in creating healthier digital boundaries. You’ll hear real-life example...